US Air Force seeks stealth-capable target drones

The US Air Force has issued a Request for Information seeking a new generation of target drones designed to mimic a wide spectrum of aerial threats. These systems are intended to replicate the radar, infrared, and electronic signatures of aircraft ranging from small hobby drones to advanced stealth fighters and strategic bombers.

The Air Force is prioritizing inexpensive and potentially expendable or ‘attritable’ platforms to improve cost-effectiveness and scalability in weapons testing and military exercises. For high-end fighter simulations, the requirements include the ability to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 1.6 at 40,000 feet while performing high-agility, high-G combat maneuvers. The service is inviting both traditional defense contractors and commercial companies to propose dual-use or modified commercial solutions.